To not want my DC to participate in nativity?

I asked school to excuse DC from nativity (due to religious reasons - we do not depict jesus/mary/joseph.) They were absolutely fine with it. Happened to mention this to work colleagues - and they basically told me that I wasn't willing to integrate!

I was a bit shocked that they saw it like this despite the fact that I explained why. I didn't realise that this decision was perceived as a lack of willingness to integrate - in a country which I have been born and brought up in.

I had to bite my tongue for the sake of peace!

So...MN jury... AIBU to exclude DC from nativity for religious reasons (note: DC is not excluded from other christmas activities at school). Am I just not integrating well into the society that I was born and brought up in?

Well, all religious observance is inherently ridiculous, when you think about it. So are lots of things people like to do (such as ballet, football and buying Justin Beiber's music). But whatever wierd ridiculous shit people like to do or think is only problematic when it starts being a matter of trying to control what other people do or think. So in the OP's specific case, it's a bit daft to have such a stick up your arse about a school play but her DC aren't fussed about not participating and she'd not demanding that the school stop doing the play, so it's really not a big deal.

Grr have you been to Morocco? I like their theory. Look at the outside of mosques (and they are beautiful and many) but don't come in if you aren't Muslim. Keeps the places special for those for whom they are special.

My theory is that the OP is reasonable (and seasonable) because she is 'fitting in' where it is OK for her to do so (Secret Santa), not trying to change other people's traditions (not asking the school to ban Nativity) and keeping her traditions where she feels she must (not having her DC portray the prophets). I really fail to see how she could be more reasonable and still keep her integrity.

Brycie - No I would not join in another group's celebration purely by living in that area, I would only join if I was directly invited by a person belonging to the group and ensured that it would cause no undue problems for them. The people that the celebration is important to should have first call and consideration.

Personally, I cringe when schools/groups do it without the people they're talking about's involvement - I have seen many traditions butchered and disgraced by people thinking 'it's just a party with extra bits' and end up with something that has no real ties to the original (and in more than a few cases, downright offensive to the people they're meant to be 'honouring'.)

The idea that people should just join in without regard and consideration for the group is ridiculous and thoughtless. That mindset is why the Mayan holy sites in Mexico are currently filled with pompous rich tourists and people looking for profit by ignorance, meaning the actual Mayans themselves are stuck in fields and parking lots.

It's incredibly pompous to believe that we should involve ourselves with everything just because we are here.

I think playing a non-prophet part would be like a vegetarian cooking meat but not eating it. Some vegetarians would be OK with it, I personally wouldn't. Some Muslims would be OK with supporting roles, the OP wouldn't. No big deal.

I asked someone about this and they said, yes, she's within her rights to do this, fair enough. So I said that's your official answer? What's your unofficial answer? And the unofficial answer was an eye roll. Which sort of sums it up for me.

OP mentally cross out every responses from those who haven't grasped what your talking about.

I haven't read all 25 pages. Perhaps by now you have sought opinions from others in your religious community about the compromise of your DC taking on the role of shepherd or inn keeper, I would see this as a good opportunity to develop my understanding of my faith. You also have a great opportunity to discuss your religion's beliefs about idolatry and images with your DC in a context they will understand. If you are not comfortable with them taking part, then have the courage of your convictions and pull them out. I can't imagine anyone but the professionally offended will care.